Cobb Collaborative and Partners Open Two Little Free Libraries in Marietta
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Working alongside Kiwanis Club of Marietta and City of Marietta helps increase community access to reading
Early this month, the Cobb Collaborative—a Georgia Family Connection Collaborative—the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, and the City of Marietta joined with community and business leaders to celebrate the official opening of two Little Free Libraries located at Victory Park and Kirby Park.
Marietta City Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson, who led the effort, reflected on her lifelong love of reading and emphasized the long-term impact of early literacy. “Children who start on track are more likely to graduate high school and college—and to create the same strong foundation for their own children, ” she said.
The first two libraries dedicated this year represent the 82nd and 83rd Little Free Libraries Cobb Collaborative has installed in the community since 2021.
“Partnerships are the heart and soul of our work, and collaborating with passionate municipal leaders like Councilwoman Richardson is an honor,” said Collaborative Executive Director Irene Barton. “Print awareness—knowing what books signify, how we read, how to hold a book—is a tenet of the science of reading. We’re honored to partner with Marietta City Schools and the City of Marietta in a community-wide coalition to improve reading skills for all students.”
Marietta City Schools Board of Education Member Irene Berens and City Council members Joseph Goldstein and M. Carlyle Kent also participated in the celebration. Kent, a long-time literacy advocate and representative of the Mayor’s Reading Club, sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association, contributed family reading kits to the library at Victory Park.
According to Debbie McCracken, vice-governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis International, the Marietta Club has been involved in local efforts to increase access to books for several years. Members serve as library stewards for Little Free Libraries across the city.
“Access to books plays a critical role in early childhood development,” McCracken said. “Reading helps children build vocabulary, explore emotions, and strengthen comprehension skills.”
Cobb Collaborative, which serves as the local point of contact for the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, was recognized in 2025 by the international Little Free Library nonprofit organization with the prestigious Todd H. Bol Award for Outstanding Achievement for its efforts to build a sense of community and increase access to books.
Selected from a pool of dedicated book-sharing advocates across the nation, the Georgia Family Connection Collaborative and Barton were recognized for their innovative and community-centered approach to expanding book access throughout Cobb County.
Since becoming involved with the Little Free Library movement, the Collaborative has helped install and maintain the 83 libraries in partnership with faith communities, schools, municipalities, scout troops, and neighborhoods.
“Our community partners know that they can always call upon us if needed to help with a repair, replenish books, or answer questions,” said Barton. “When I get a cold call from someone looking for information on Little Free Libraries it brings a sense of pride. It’s so gratifying that Cobb Collaborative has the reputation of being a champion of Little Free Libraries.”
For more information on Little Free Libraries in Cobb County, including sponsorship opportunities, email Cobb Collaborative at communications@cobbcollaborative.org.
Contact:
Bill Valladares
GaFCP Communications Director
404-739-0043
william@gafcp.org
Alexandra G. Winn
Cobb Collaborative
marketing@cobbcollaborative.org
470-713-4335
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About Cobb Collaborative
Cobb Collaborative, a Georgia Family Connection Collaborative, is a membership of nonprofit organizations, local government, businesses, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, professional organizations, associations, and citizens that share ideas, expertise, and resources to meet the needs of Cobb County residents. For more information, visit cobbcollaborative.org.